Should You Drink Coffee While Pregnant? Eat Right Mama from eatrightmama.com

Can You Have Caffeine While Pregnant?

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a stimulant drug found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and many other food and drinks. It is a naturally occurring substance that comes from coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. Caffeine is known to increase alertness and improve concentration.

What Are The Effects Of Caffeine During Pregnancy?

Caffeine can cross the placenta, which means it can affect your baby’s development. Studies have shown that consuming more than 200mg of caffeine a day (two 8 oz cups of coffee) can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight. It can also cause the baby to be born prematurely.

Is It Safe To Drink Caffeine During Pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200mg a day. This is equivalent to two 8 oz cups of coffee. It is important to note that there is no safe amount of caffeine during pregnancy, so it is best to limit or avoid it altogether.

What Are The Alternatives To Caffeine?

If you are looking for an alternative to caffeine, there are plenty of options available. Herbal teas are a great option, as they don’t contain caffeine and many have a calming effect. Decaffeinated coffee is also an option, although it still contains some caffeine. Other alternatives include sparkling water, kombucha, and other non-caffeinated beverages.

Tips For Reducing Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and want to reduce your caffeine intake, here are some tips to help you:

Switch to decaffeinated coffee or tea
Limit your intake of energy drinks and soda
Replace snacks that contain caffeine with healthier alternatives such as fruits and vegetables
If you are craving chocolate, opt for a dark chocolate that contains less caffeine
Try herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger tea
Drink plenty of water throughout the day

Conclusion

Caffeine has been shown to have a negative effect on pregnant women and their unborn babies. It is best to limit or avoid caffeine altogether during pregnancy. If you are looking for an alternative, there are plenty of non-caffeinated options available. By following the tips above, you can reduce your caffeine intake while pregnant and keep both you and your baby healthy.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Caffeine Use During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/caffeine-use-during-pregnancy.